This is a composite response from the four Welsh Police Forces that responded to the consultation on the Welsh Government New Powers:  New Possibilities Inquiry – Speed Limits       

Views on current speed limits and arrangements for setting speed limits in Wales.

There are current arrangements in place for the setting of speed limits in Wales through which the Highways Authority are able to set ‘local speed limits’. Where the Police have been fully engaged in discussions prior to adoption there has been consistency through to any subsequent police enforcement of the new regulation. There have been instances where NPCC guidance regarding 20mph speed limits/zones has not been followed and this has created some enforcement challenges.

Views on how the powers to be devolved by the Wales Act 2017 from 1^st April 2018 should be used by the Welsh Government and Assembly

It is a shared view across the Welsh Roads Policing landscape that it is vital the Police continue to be consulted prior to any changes. As the enforcement agency, it is important to public confidence that any changes are evidence based, are proportionate to the objective they are looking to achieve and a justifiable response to ensuring the safety of the public on our roads.

There are already differences between speed limits for certain classifications of vehicles within England and Wales to those in Scotland, although some across Wales are of the view that engineering solutions should form an equal part of the Road Safety thought process.

There is a general consensus that devolving the responsibility for Speed Limits would help bring about a greater consistency across the country. This, however, needs to form part of a wider awareness raising campaign promoting the safe use of our roads and the dangers of speed, whether that is in excess of the limit or excessive due to prevailing weather/road conditions. It is important the key message remains to educate and not punish road users.